Getting the proper amount of sleep is an important part of life. However, there are many things that can affect the quality of sleep that a person is able to get on a nightly basis. Some of the most common issues that a person normally is forced to deal with is in regards to illnesses and sleep disorders, like sleep apnea.
However, there are also other items that will affect a person’s sleep as well. For example, the things that we put in our bodies in the way of food and drink can have a huge impact on our ability to sleep well at night. Because the impact of diet on sleeping is so powerful, a person who suffers with issues related to sleep should focus on making certain dietary changes.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can have a positive effect on the quality of sleep you are getting each night.
Types of Food and Drink
One of the most important things that we can all do to improve both our health and our sleep patterns is to eat foods that are healthy for us. For starters, eating a healthy diet that is full of fiber, protein and many other nutrients can help us remain healthy. This will greatly improve our ability to get a good night’s sleep.
In addition to this, it is typically best to stay away from caffeine or other foods that tend to affect our sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant and will cause a person to sleep poorly when it is consumed before bed. Along with the things that you drink, make sure that you are also considering certain foods that contain caffeine as well.
Avoid alcohol and medications like sleeping pills that could make your sleep apnea more severe.
Quantities of Food
Another item that may help to improve a person’s ability to get the proper amount of rest is their eating routine. It is common for people to consume a light breakfast, choose a moderate sized lunch and finish the day with a large dinner. However, this is not the best choice when you are looking at improving your sleep routine.
It is best to start the day by eating a large breakfast. Doing so will allow you to add nutrients to your body that you will need for energy purposes. For this reason, breakfast should really be your largest meal of the day. Some of the healthy food options that you should choose are whole grain breads, fruit, yogurt and whole grain cereals.
At lunch, you should still choose a moderate sized portion. Again, make sure that you choose healthy options rather than junk food or processed foods. Stick with foods such as brown rice and pasta, as well as a serving of protein. Beans, chicken, fish and eggs are great options to fulfill this requirement.
Finally, finish your day with a light dinner. This is one of the best things that you can do to help prepare your body for a good night’s rest. This will help you to avoid issues like indigestion and heartburn that often affect a person’s ability to sleep well. Finish your meal at least two hours before going to bed and avoid snacking before turning out the lights.
Final Thoughts
In addition to the foods that you eat, the amount of fluids that you take in can affect the quality of your sleep. For example, if you have a full bladder, you may be woken during the night due to the need of going to the bathroom. To avoid this, try to drink your daily intake of fluids before you finish dinner.
If you or someone you know is in need of a better night’s sleep, contact us for a no obligation consultation. We are the sleep specialists at Chevy Chase ENT located in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. metro area dealing with sleep apnea and sleep-related problems. We can help diagnose your condition, recommend whether a sleep study would be beneficial, and offer you a variety of treatment options including CPAP, Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) and more.
